Peter Hollens talks 'Hallelujah' duet with Jackie Evancho Special

A-cappella vocalist Peter Hollens chatted with Digital Journal about his collaboration with Jackie Evancho on their version of "Hallelujah."

He remarked, "It's been such a pleasure working with Jackie and her team remotely to put this song together. Jackie is such an unbelievable talent, just incredible. It's turned out so fantastic and I couldn't be more pleased."

The music video has gone viral with over one million views. "It's so amazing to know that so many people are enjoying the song. Hopefully, people who have never heard either of us before are finding the video and listening to more of our music," he said.

Regarding his proudest moments in his career, Hollens said, "I'm just so proud to be able to make positive, uplifting music as a living. Just recently, I was able to come together with many fantastic artists and take part in breaking the world record for the largest live nativity. I'm really proud of that one."

On the song selection process of his eponymous debut album, he said, "I picked an eclectic mix of my favorite songs I had released previously, and collaborated with as many new artists that I have looked up to for many years. It was a long, but very rewarding process."

Hollens selected "Ashland's Song" as his personal favorite song. "It is an original song about my son. I think having something that is incredibly personal is very important to put out into the world, and I know many other parents will be able to make a strong connection with that song," he said.

On the hardest part of his job as a musician, he said, "Just trying to support a family as a musician is incredibly difficult. Finding balance with the 24/7 work week that is required. I constantly struggle with it."

When asked what motivates him each day, he responded, "My community and listeners constantly motivate me. I wouldn't be able to sing for a living if it wasn't for the people who support my music and share it with their friends and family. They motivate me and I hope the music I make motivates them."

He listed Sara Bareilles and Jackie Evancho as his dream female duet choices. "I would absolutely die to sing with Sara Bareilles. I've been an enormous fan of her music since I heard her sing her original 'Gravity' with her college a-cappella group back at UCLA. I would love to do a few more songs with Jackie. I love our version of 'Hallelujah'. I also hope I can work in a few more songs with my lovely wife, Evynne Hollens, too," he said.

Hollens concluded by defining success as "being able to do what I love for a living." "I'm so blessed to make music for a living, and I just hope and pray that it continues," he said.